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Are Analogue Insulins Superior to Human Insulin in Clinical Practice?

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Abstract

Insulin analogues were designed to provide more physiologic pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties compared with human insulin. This article examines the literature over a 2-year period, focusing on studies directly comparing analogue and human insulin in controlled clinical trials and large observational studies documenting the introduction of, or change to, analogue insulin in clinical practice. Findings indicate that analogues provide objective benefits that include improved glycemic control, lower risk of hypoglycemia, lower glucose variability, and (for insulin detemir) reduced weight gain. Recent data with analogues also explore their safety and efficacy in special patient groups such as children and adolescents. These data complement increasing evidence that analogues offer improved acceptability and accessibility to people with diabetes.

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Abbreviations

ACTION:

Achieving control through insulin plus oral agents

IMPROVE:

Observational study of safety and effectiveness of NovoMix 30 for the treatment of diabetes mellitus

PREDICTIVE:

Observational, safety study in subjects using Levemir® (Insulin detemir) for the treatment of insulin dependent type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus

PRESENT:

Physicians’ routine evaluation of safety and efficacy of NovoMix 30 therapy

References

Papers of particular interest, published recently, have been highlighted as: • Of importance •• Of major importance

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Acknowledgments

The author takes full responsibility for this manuscript. Editorial assistance was provided by Watermeadow Medical, funded by Novo Nordisk, Inc.

Disclosure

Dr. Jeffrey S. Freeman has served on the speakers’ bureau for GlaxoSmithKline, Novartis International AG, NovoNordisk, and Sanofi-Aventis USA, and has received grants and research support from AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP and Bristol-Myers Squibb Company.

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  1. Division of Endocrinology of the Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine, 4190 City Avenue, Suite 324, Philadelphia, PA, 19131-1626, USA

    Jeffrey S. Freeman

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Correspondence to Jeffrey S. Freeman.

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Freeman, J.S. Are Analogue Insulins Superior to Human Insulin in Clinical Practice?. Curr Diab Rep 10, 176–183 (2010). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11892-010-0104-8

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